Citation

Rabl W, Haid C, Katzgraber F, Walser B. Arch. Kriminol. 1995; 195(1-2): 31-37.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1995, Verlag Schmidt-Romhild)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

7710313

Abstract

We report on a 52-year-old man who committed suicide by jumping in a 380 cm long rope with a diameter of 12 mm. The loading forces resulted in complete decapitation. Our biomechanical experiments show that traction-forces of about 12000 Newton lead to complete decapitation irrespectively of the diameter of the used halter. The biomechanical results made it possible to show the possible fall-hights in dependence upon bodymass and distance of negative acceleration "s" graphically. The curves are valid for a constant deceleration during the distance "s", which is determined by lengthening of the rope and circumference of the neck.

Language: de

Keywords

Acceleration; Asphyxia; Axis, Cervical Vertebra; Biomechanical Phenomena; Cause of Death; Cervical Atlas; Craniocerebral Trauma; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Suicide